Over 150 million years old, it is one of three complete fossils of Archaeopteryx found. The name Berlin Archaeopteryx came after being found at the lime-stone quarries in southern Germany in 1861.

It is by far the most beautiful and most well known. The original was destroyed during the Second World War but three casts were taken and kept around the world.

It can not be determined whether it flew or simply glided, but the perfectly preserved feathers indicate that it was agile when airborne. American scientists tend to believe that it could become airborne because of the structure of the shoulder girdle (wishbone), which is unique to birds.

                Not many are aware of Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), which is an infectious, usually fatal disease. It is characterized by feather loss and abnormalities, occasional beak deformity, and destruction of the bird's thymus and bursa. Caused by a DNA virus, PBFDV is transmitted in the feces, crop secretions, and feather dust of infected birds.

It is a very sturdy virus and resistant to many disinfectants. Feather dust can be dispersed through natural air flow, and may contaminate food dishes, cages, bird carriers, and insects and human clothing. Feather lesions include the following: retained feather sheaths, bleeding feathers in the pulp cavity, fractured feathers or deformed and curled feathers.

Diagnosis is made by a highly sensitive DNA test for the detection of PBFDV by submitting blood to the diagnostic veterinary laboratory. If the bird has no active lesions or problems it is probably a carrier. If the bird has feather problems and other symptoms, a positive test will show that it is actively infected.

There is no current effective treatment for PBFD. Pet owners should provide supportive care such as good nutrition, vitamin and herbal supplements, and acupuncture and give antibiotic therapy for secondary bacterial and fungal infections.

Last updated: Sunday, December 24, 2000 at 04:13:13 (PST)